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How to watch YouTube without ads: no commercials on YT video in 2024

How to watch YouTube without ads

YouTube has become associative with an infestation of ads with no solution in sight. Watching YouTube without commercials is challenging, given the platform’s latest war against ad blockers and other third-party advocates of smooth videos. The web is teeming with fixes against ads, but many are lackluster. And your head may start spinning from all the tips and tricks online.

Some claim that the end of ad blockers is near, while others urge people to rip videos. On the other hand, several people have come forward saying we should let content creators earn their money from ad revenue. But we all have a right to enjoy videos without ad bombardment. If you’re seeking answers for how to watch YouTube without ads, you’ll find them here.

Our team has tested many options to deliver you those that truly work. With YouTube ads already eating a portion of our time, our methods of removing them are quick and linear. Tune in to leave us with a solution in your hands.

Forget YouTube commercials with NordVPN. The built-in Threat Protection swipes ads off your screen before you can even catch a glimpse of one. Besides, the VPN unblocks YouTube TV in the US no matter where you are. Enjoy the perks of the rock-slid service for a pocket-friendly price.
9.8 /10
Secures ad-free videos
Unblocks regional content
Works smoothly with YouTube

You'll never miss with the service like NordVPN. Combining both the fastest VPN and a renowned ad blocker, no ad stands a chance. And the benefits don't end there.

How to watch YouTube without ads with a VPN

  1. Get a reliable VPN service, preferably with an ad blocker. Our #1 is NordVPN, now 74% off
  2. Download the VPN app to your device
  3. Install the client and launch it once the setup process is complete
  4. Connect to a VPN server where YouTube doesn’t display ads, e.g. Albania
  5. Now, you can watch YouTube without ads to your heart’s content!
Watch ad-free YouTube with NordVPN

Why do you need a VPN to watch YouTube without commercials?

You need a potent VPN to watch YouTube without ads through a location switch-up. When you think of ad-free YouTube, you first envision an ad blocker. It is an option, but such apps are the primary target of the media hub at the moment. You can instead outsmart YouTube using a VPN – connecting to a country with an unmonetized YouTube site.

Watch YouTube without ads with a VPN

That’s right, it turns out that YouTube isn’t farming revenue through ads globally. Some countries, like Albania, the Bahamas, or Myanmar, are spared the commercial onset. Luckily, a VPN helps you change your virtual location and IP address to match one of those regions. Even better if you opt for a VPN with a built-in ad blocker. The result? All YouTube videos without ads.

How to stay safe on YouTube with a VPN

You can stay safe on YouTube with a reliable VPN service. Reliable is the keyword here. YouTube is against using VPNs on their platform, so we don’t support their use unless absolutely necessary. But for the same reason, you should use high-tier software to remain undetected and avoid trouble with the platform.

Another concern is YouTube’s snoopy tendencies when it comes to user privacy. The platform actively tracks your behavior and information whenever you hop on to enjoy some free entertainment. A VPN is the most prominent antidote against such practices. But then there’s also the safety of your profile. Here’s how to prevent data harvesting or account breaches:

  • Toggle privacy settings. In your account, you’ll find a privacy section. Review the policies and disable or enable settings to limit YouTube’s access to your data accordingly. Once you’re done, apply the changes.
  • Use an ad blocker. It’s trackers that collect most of the information about you so that YouTube can forge targeted ads. A good ad blocker disables trackers on each website and app, reducing their access to user data.
  • Change passwords often. Freshening up your password regularly makes it more difficult for nefarious hackers to break into your profile.
  • Connect via secure links. Some YouTube links could lead you through unsafe connections. Always ensure the URL connects you via HTTPS, a far more secure tunnel.

How to watch YouTube without ads: detailed guide

YouTube without commercials is a reality very well within your reach. You only need a device to watch YouTube videos and a VPN service. The setup process is super easy and takes no more than 10 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN. Our best pick is the tried-and-true NordVPN with built-in ad blocker
  2. Download the client or extension to your device from official site or app store Download NordVPN on Windows
  3. Install the VPN on the chosen device following the instructions
  4. Connect to a VPN server where ads aren’t frequent, like Albania, Nepal, or Myanmar NordVPN Albania servers
  5. Enjoy watching YouTube without commercials and other restrictions!

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Other ways to watch YouTube without commercials

There are other ways to outmaneuver the YouTube advertising machine, though some aren’t foolproof. We lay them out for you from the most to least effective with insights from our experts.

1. How to watch YouTube without ads with the ad blocker

Our experts like: Our experts don't like:
✅Consistent commercial disabling with a reliable ad blocker
✅Easy to use
✅Blocks ads beyond YouTube
✅Disable trackers for extra privacy
❌Can be detected by YouTube

The second best to YouTube VPN is an ad blocker. The catch is choosing the one that bypasses the platform’s detection system, as it caught wind of the ad-blocking loophole a while ago. It’s the primary source of friction the ad blockers face on this hub. After rigorous testing, our team dubs Total Adblock the most reliable service for this job.

  1. Obtain an undetectable ad blocker. Our top recommendation is Total Adblock, which escapes YouTube detection
  2. Download the app or the extension to your device Total Adblock Chrome download
  3. Set up the extension on your browser or install the mobile app
  4. Enable the ad blocker, toggle with settings, and head to YouTube Total Adblock Chrome settings
  5. Now the commercials should elude the videos!

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2. Get Youtube Premium subscription cheaper

Our experts like: Our experts don't like:
✅Complies with YouTube policies
✅Download videos to your device legally
✅YouTube videos without ads
❌Expensive subscription

YouTube’s subscription model is always a recourse, though the pricing makes it more of a stopgap. Unless you could get YouTube Premium cheaper, which, naturally, is possible with a VPN. In countries like the US, the individual plan costs $13.99. Whether the benefits and YouTube videos without ads are worth it remains debated.

In the meanwhile, you can dramatically reduce the price of YouTube Premium with a VPN.

  1. Fetch yourself a sturdy VPN. The best runner is NordVPN with servers in cheap countries like Turkey
  2. Download and install the VPN software on the device of your choice
  3. Connect to a server located in Turkey or India
  4. Pay just a few dollars for YouTube Premium!

Enjoy cheaper costs with top VPN

3. Download YouTube videos

Our experts like: Our experts don't like:
✅Watch videos offline and ad-free
✅Download videos to your device legally
❌Doesn’t align with platform’s ToS

Downloading videos is definitely one of the answers to how to watch YouTube without ads. On the other hand, we think it’s pretty tedious. Indeed, you get to work around commercials without investing a penny, but you have to download each video separately. Besides, it goes against YouTube’s terms of service to rip videos unless you have permission.

You’ll need to rely on third-party software like Tube Ripper or 4K Video Downloader. They rip the videos from YouTube once you insert their links into the software or website. From there on, you need to download them once converted.

4. Watch YouTube via privacy-bolstered browsers

Our experts like: Our experts don't like:
✅Reliable and safe
✅Blocks ads on other websites
✅Easy to use for all levels of technically-inclined
❌Doesn’t block all YouTube ads
❌Inconvenient on mobile

Private browsers don’t shield you from YouTube commercials 100%. But they are a good starting point if you’re quenching pennies or don’t want to risk YouTube’s wrath. Secure browsers are meant to bolster your privacy, which includes blocking trackers and ads. These are the best private browsers:

  • Brave
  • DuckDuckGo
  • Firefox
  • Tor Browser
  • Mullvad Browser

Most private browsers are equipped with ad-blocking formulas from the get-go. Of course, it doesn’t compare to a stand-alone service, but it’s better than nothing. You still get more anonymity and fewer YouTube commercials to interrupt your sessions.

5. Block specific YouTube commercials

Our experts like: Our experts don't like:
✅Requires no technical knowledge or third-party tools ❌Only partially effective

Another free and easy way to watch YouTube without ads is manually blocking the commercials. It’s not practical, however. And our team found the whole process rather tiresome and not worth the results. But you may find this option viable if you can’t invest in a VPN or ad blocker.

Here’s a breakdown of blocking specific YouTube ads:

  1. When a YouTube ad plays, hit the Stop seeing this ad button or i icon
  2. You can also press Tab + Enter during the pre-roll ad
  3. Select the reason you don’t want to block the ad
  4. Submit your choice

My VPN is not blocking YouTube ads: quick fixes

Sometimes, a VPN may experience hiccups. This could be for many reasons, most of which have easy fixes. Here’s a lowdown of the most typical causes and solutions for each:

  • Clear browser cache. Your browser cookies contain residues of data, like your actual whereabouts. Clear the cache on your browser or YouTube app on your mobile.
  • Switch to a different server. It could be the server you hopped on is already blocked on YouTube or clogged with other users. Try out other points of connection in regions where the hands of monetization don’t reach.
  • Update or reinstall your VPN. No app runs well when out of date. Triple-check whether the VPN client is updated to the latest version. If not, update or reinstall the software – it’s like a magic cure sometimes.
  • Check for IP and DNS leaks. IP & DNS leaks spell problems since YouTube instantly sees your location, blocking the VPN server’s IP. You can run tests on sites like ipleak.net. Reset your internet connection or perform a DNS flush if leaks are found.
  • Disable GPS on your device. Possibly, your computer or smartphone has their location enabled. It’s the stab in the back of the VPN’s attempts to hide it. Disable the GPS before connecting to any server.

Don’t shy away from relying on the provider’s customer support. These agents are ready to dig into your VPN-related problems with their tech biceps. However, some providers rarely, if ever, cause problems.

We can attest that none of these issues will occur with a world-class service like NordVPN. Throughout all our tests, the VPN ran smoothly and never failed to deal with the concern of how to get YouTube without ads.

Swipe left on ads with NordVPN

Can I use a free VPN to watch YouTube without ads?

No, you can’t use a free VPN to watch YouTube without commercials. While investing zero funds into a solution is appealing, the result will also be zero. Even the best free VPNs cannot keep up with YouTube videos and premium counterparts. When videos start buffering, YouTube ads will be the least of your problems.

Think of it this way: the provider wants you to opt for one of their paid plans. But why should you if there’s a free one, right? Yes, but this version is meant to be limiting on purpose. Consider this a silent manipulation or a clever marketing ploy on their part. Either way, there are several disadvantages to consider:

  • Abysmal performance. Typically, such services slow your internet down, and video quality could drop significantly. Some VPNs underperform to a point where buffers render YouTube sessions impossible. That’s because they lack fast protocols and have a tiny data cap, among other things.
  • Too tiny server fleet. YouTube is adamant about seeking VPN use as it’s against their policies. With nothing but small server networks, free VPNs are bound to fail and remain undetected. Besides, they don’t have servers in countries where YouTube ads are absent.
  • Data trafficking. VPN providers do generate income from their free products. How? Typically, they collect user information unbeknownst to them and sell it to advertising companies. Some providers go as far as injecting their software with malware for better data farming.

We advise relying on premium products for effective ways how to watch YouTube without ads and do so safely. If you have a tight budget, you can take advantage of VPNs with free trial. Services like NordVPN offer top-tier quality with no financial commitment via a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Once the time is up, just switch to another VPN.

Watch ad-free YouTube with NordVPN

Conclusion

There are ways to watch YouTube without commercials despite the platform’s harsh policies against liberating third-party apps. Instead of playing cat-and-mouse with an ad blocker, you can use a VPN. You only need to connect to a region where YouTube monetization falls short, like Albania or Nepal. But this trick only works with reliable VPN providers.

NordVPN is the best answer to the dreadful dilemma of how to watch YouTube without ads. Our thorough testing and analysis cement the VPN’s ability to trick YouTube location and maintain UHD stream or video quality. The fastest in the field, the provider keeps you safe, your data private, and YouTube commercials at bay no matter where you are. The #1 mid-range solution for an affordable price.


You may also like to read:
How to block ads on YouTube
How to bypass YouTube ad blocker detection
Best YouTube ad blocker
How to change Netflix location


FAQs on watching YouTube without ads

Can I get YouTube without ads?

Yes, you can get YouTube without ads with the Premium. But it's a bit expensive if you don't need all the benefits of the subscription. Instead, you can watch YouTube videos without commercials thanks to a VPN, trust one like NordVPN. it connects you to a region where ads are scarce, like Albania.

How much does it cost to get YouTube without commercials?

Ad-free YouTube costs $14/month with the Premium plan. Though there are cheaper ways to watch YouTube without ads. For instance, a good VPN costs around $4 a month, allowing you to watch videos in countries like Albania where ads are absent. Besides, you get far more benefits with VPN such as NordVPN.

How can I watch YouTube without ads?

You can watch YouTube without ads in several ways apart from the Premium plan. The best and most effective way is a VPN. A reliable service, such as NordVPN, connects you to a region where YouTube isn't monetized, for example, Albania. Moreover, it protects your privacy and unblocks other hubs.

Does YouTube have an ad-free version?

The only YouTube ad-free version is the premium one. If you don't have an active YouTube Premium subscription, you'll face an onslaught of ads. Unless you opt for an ad blocker, or better yet, a VPN. Watching YouTube with a VPN from countries like Nepal or Myanmar reduces ads to virtually zero.

Is it legal to watch YouTube videos without ads with a VPN?

Yes, it's legal, but YouTube is against VPN use. It violates their terms of service, which can result in account suspension. That's why you must only rely on a reputable and test provider. Our top pick is NordVPN, which slipped YouTube detection during each test, keeping things fast and simple.

Can I watch Youtube TV without ads?

Yes, you can watch YouTube TV without ads with an ad blocker. The paid service displays fewer ads, but a number of them still interrupt your viewing experience. Given that the service is US-restricted, your best shot is a VPN with ad-blocking abilities. Our experts recommend NordVPN as the top choice.

1 comments
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  1. Marco
    Marco February 13, 2024 at 2AM

    I can confirm that a vpn works. I noticed it about a month ago, when i noticed that i had no ads for some reason, then realised that i still had my vpn on and connected to a country far far away. I rather pay for my vpn subscription then to pay google for add free version.

    Besides, i can use the vpn for alot more things then just watching add free on youtube.


Thanks for your opinion!
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